Improvement in wind-wheels



G. METGALF.

Wind-Wheels.

Patented Augus 26, |878.

NTED STATES A'IEN GEORGE METOALF, OF SOMONAUK, ILLINOIS.

IMPROVEMENT IN WIND-WHEELS.

Speciication forming' part of Letters Patent N0. 142,256, dated August 26, 1873 5 application filed July 11, 1873.

wind-wheels, whereby the mounting and supporting of said wheels are made cheaper, more convenient, and more durable than heretofore; and it consists, rst, in mounting the wheel at the top of and within a revolving frame or tower, the lower end of which extends down into a permanent frame-work or structure, with friction-wheels set inthe top of said frame-work, and a pivot-step at the bottom;

second, in a method of arranging an automatic governor.

That others may fully understand my improvement, I will particularly describe it.

The wheel A is constructed with oblique radial vanes or wings, permanently set and fastened to the wheel-hub at their inner ends, and to a rim` or any proper encircling device at their outer ends. This wheel is not governed by adjusting the vanes to a greater or less Obliquity to the wind, but by turning the wheel itself more or less edge to the wind, and thereby avoiding the complication of parts and numerous joints necessary to a separate movement of each vane. The wheel-shaft is providedwith a crank, and has its bearings in two upright posts or standards, B B, `which form portions of a revolving frame or tower, which extends downward within a permanent structure C, as far as may be required to secure the necessary stiffness and strength. The wheel A is located between the said posts and directly above the step D. The frame or tower B rests at its bottom upon a tubular step, D, upon which it turns freely; and opposite the top of the structure C it is provided with a cylindrical portion or frame, E, to traverse three or more friction-rollers, F, set in bearings at the top of said structure C, so that the tower B will, to a very great extent,

equal friction therein; and being located also y in the axis of the revolution of the tower B, it is perfectly balanced as. to the wind-pressure upon it, and presents no resistance to its control by thetail vane.

The crank-rod or pitman G extends downward from the wheel-shaft crank and through the tubular step D, so that its working is not impeded by the revolution of the tower B. A

swiveljoint must, of course, be inserted in said rod somewhere between the crank and its connection with the pump which is actuated by it. To govern the wheel, a small vane, H, is attached to the tower B, parallel with the plane of revolution of said wheel, and this small vane exerts a constant tendency to turn said wheel edge to the wind. The steering'vane I is hinged to the revolving tower B, and is jointed by means of a flexible connection, J, to an arm, K, permanently secured to said tower. The flexible connection J is sufciently long to permit the vane I to swing around parallel with vane H, and the wheel A may then move edge to the wind. The tendency of the vane I to swing around into the position named is controlled by a weight, L, suspended from said connection J; and it is evident that the wheel A will be controlled and held face to the wind exactly in the proportion of the gravity of said weight to the moving force of the wind.

To cause the wheel A to stop at any time, it isonly necessary to raise the weight L by the cord M or other artificial means, when the wheel will immediately swing edge to the wind, and will come to rest. In order to render a comparatively light weight sufficient for this purpose, I place the weight L at the en d of an arm or lever, N, and Amay also make 1t adjustable thereon, so as to be able to vary the power of the governor in proportion to the work to be done.

D and friction-rollers F, to enable said tower to revolve with freedom.

3. In combination with the wheel A, steady vane H, and hinged vane I, the flexible connection J, arm K, lever N, and weight L,.all arranged substantially as set forth.

In testimonyr that I claim the above as myA invention witness my hand.

GEO. METGALF. Witnesses:

GEO. M. D. WRIGHT, Crus. It. FRANK. l 

